The business of training and performance improvement has always been cyclical, with the fortunes of human resource development (HRD) and performance improvement professionals rising and falling with the economic fortunes of the workplace. The current economic downturn and nascent recovery represent an opportunity for HRD and performance…

Defines human performance technology (HPT) as systems thinking applied to human resource activities, chronicles the emergence of HPT and the development of the HPT process model, and considers its use to define and implement high-performance work systems in information age organizations. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the changes that human resource and training departments are undergoing. Focuses on the development of a soap opera format on the World Wide Web that reflects on performance technology, distributed technology, and shifting professional roles. Examples of episodes and suggestions for improving it as an educational tool are provided.…

Considers three variables that can help performance technologists work more effectively with different kinds and different generations of people. Discusses recognizing the impace of position and disposition, assuring that feedback occurs, and thinking beyond old ways of operating and motivating. Suggests that the context of human interaction is…

Examines the concept of human capital, including how it is linked to strategic analysis and how it relates to four alternative models for return-on-investment (ROI). Discusses how to choose the best model for ROI justification of training or other human performance technology (HPT) interventions. (AEF)

Discusses the implementation of electronic learning systems in organizations, focusing on the role of HPT (human performance technology) professionals in the needs assessment process to assess the readiness of the organization for electronic learning. Topics include human resources; content; information technology; finance; vendors; job aids; and…

Introduces human performance technology (HPT) by answering the following questions related to: what systems does; practical issues and questions to which systems thinking is relevant; research questions and answers with respect to systems thinking; how HPT practitioners can do systems thinking; systems thinking tools; what is and is not known…

How many times have you attended a marathon training class only to return to your job and promptly forget what you learned? How many times have you programmed your VCR, only to find yourself searching for the manual six months later? The reality is that humans accumulate a vast amount of life experience and knowledge. Adult learning theory…